Sustainability in casino design and operation

Abstract: In the past, many business leaders viewed sustainability and profitability as mutually exclusive—if it’s good for the environment, it’s bad for business. Yet, over the past decade we’ve seen a growing sense of corporate responsibility and the dawning recognition that being “green” isn’t being broke. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Sustainability supports business success. This is especially true in casino design and operation. In this paper we address sustainable design strategies for casinos that help save money. With their high energy needs and frequent remodeling campaigns, casinos offer a unique opportunity for sustainable design initiatives. Various sustainable strategies—from using combined heat-and-power systems to streamlined access flooring and ductless air supply combinations—will be explored. Case studies will be analyzed to gain insight for best practice strategies to enhance building performance and ultimately reduce operational costs. Clearly, with the right planning and the right technology, “good for the bottom line and good for the environment” can be achieved through sustainable design.Keywords: Sustainability, corporate responsibility, casino design, casino